Although you may be a coffee lover, you may not be in love with the stains your favorite beverage leaves on your teeth. If you are looking for something you can do at home to help naturally remove the coffee stains, use the following three-step treatment using ingredients you can find in supermarkets, department stores and pharmacies.
Step 1: Apply A Whitening Paste
The first step in this treatment to remove your coffee stains is to apply a homemade whitening paste to your teeth made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. The peroxide helps kill the bacteria on your teeth and softens the plaque in which they live. The baking soda helps scrubs away the outer layer of plaque, thanks to its mildly abrasive quality.
In a small dish, mix together a tablespoon each of peroxide and baking soda. The paste should be fairly thin. If it is too thick, add a drop or two of peroxide, mixing afterward, and repeating until you have the desired consistency.
Using the end of a cotton swab, apply a layer to the surface of your teeth. Leave the paste on for about five minutes, then gently brush your teeth with your fingertip. Rinse your mouth with warm water, then proceed to the second step.
Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth With Homemade Mouthwash
In this next step, you will rinse your mouth with a homemade mouthwash containing salt, vinegar and peppermint oil. The salt helps kill any remaining germs, while the white distilled vinegar further breaks down the plaque that attracts the stains. The peppermint oil also kills bacteria, and it gives the mouthwash a slightly better taste.
In a small glass, combine a quarter of a cup of warm water and two tablespoons of table salt. If you prefer, you can use sea salt, but use half the amount because the crystals are more compact and stronger than table salt. Let the salt dissolve for five minutes, or ten minutes if using sea salt.
Mix in six drops of peppermint oil, stirring vigorously. Then, rinse your mouth for one minute, keeping the liquid around your teeth and swishing it in between them. Spit out the mouthwash, then go on to the third step.
Step 3: Brush Your Teeth With Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
Now that your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned and the plaque softened, the next step is to brush your teeth with a paste made from lemon juice and baking soda. The acid in the lemon juice has a bleaching effect on your teeth's enamel, even on coffee stains. It also helps to remove the plaque even more, especially when combined with the abrasiveness of the baking soda.
When using lemon juice, however, you need to make sure that you thoroughly rinse your mouth after using it. While it does bleach your teeth, it could break down your enamel if left on for too long, eventually weakening the protective layer and leading to cavities or decay.
In the palm of your hand, use a cotton swab to mix together a teaspoon each of baking soda and lemon juice. Dip your toothbrush into the paste, and brush your teeth as normal. Let the paste remain on your teeth for one to two minutes, then rinse with warm water.
After using the above treatment once a day for a week, preferably right after you have finished drinking your coffee and while the stains are still fresh, you should start to see your smile brighten. However, if the stains are stubborn and you want to know your other options, you may want to speak with a cosmetic dentist for more info about any professional whitening techniques available to you.